Curbside Recycling

Packaging and other materials have changed significantly over the past several years, which has impacted how residents recycle. For example, Elgin used to accept plastic bags in our recycling, but we learned the plastic bags were wrapping around the recycling equipment and shutting down plants. So we’re asking residents NOT to place their recyclables in plastic bags or put any loose bags in the recycling cart. Instead, take plastic bags to Jewel or Target to recycle, and empty your recyclables directly into your carts. Extra recyclables that don’t fit in your recycling cart should be placed loose in a second recycling container.

Let’s rethink recycling and get back to basics.

Here are 3 basic rules to keep in mind before you toss anything into your recycling cart: